GE T I N VO LVE D
>> A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS BY LEAH VANDEN BOSCH
Animal lovers have the opportunity to give the gift of shelter this holiday season, with the Humane Society caring for countless loving, domestic pets in need of a home.
available at the Humane Society often come spayed or neutered, with vaccinations started and included in the adoption fee.
“We have fantastic pets here that couldn't be in their previous home “The animals are affectionate and loving, and they are incredibly loyal,” for many reasons, very few by a fault of their own,” said Aventi. explained Kaitlyn Janak, resource development director for “Many are already trained, and the consistent interaction they have the Sioux Falls Humane Society. “When you adopt through us, with the staff ensures you’re finding a loving, life long friend.” you’re saving an animal’s life, giving them the opportunity to live in In addition to supporting the Humane Society through adoption, a home where they are cared for.” the organization provides the opportunity to volunteer, allowing The holiday season is a popular time for pet adoption, but the staff at animal lovers to spend time walking dogs, socializing with cats, and the Humane Society stresses the importance in the animal’s owner assisting with laundry. The Humane Society requires participants to being involved. Lavern Aventi, Humane Society of the Black be 16 years of age or older, asking for a commitment of four hours Hills kennel manager, emphasizes the significance in adopting an of volunteer time a month. animal. “We ask that owners please be sure they are ready to adopt. “Our volunteers are the backbone of the entire society,” emphasized These animals will become a part of your family, but they require a Aventi. “We work with the most amazing and wonderful volunteers lot of work. This is not a part time job.” anyone could ask for. We couldn’t do what we do without them.” HSBH front office supervisor Megan McNeill added, “There The work the Humane Society is doing is life changing. As each might be an adjustment period for both yourselves and the animal location houses up to 200 animals at a time, the South Dakota as you get used to each other’s habits, quirks and schedules. Animals Humane Society locations are saving the lives of thousands of require a lot of time and dedication, sometimes as much as a child, animals each year. When asked what she loves about her job, Janak so we want to make sure our adopting families have the time and says the rewards outweigh the work. “These are loving animals who patience needed.” just want to be cared for, so there is no better feeling than when you The nation’s most notable animal protection organization takes care see them find a family to go home to.” in placing their animals in the right home. Its open admission policy The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society and the Humane Society provides the shelter with a selection of dogs, cats, rabbits, and other of the Black Hills are hosting a handful of fundraising events common household pets. Evaluations are done by adoption advisors, throughout December, including pet portraits, pub crawls, helping determine the best fit for a home. Existing household pets annual holiday events and a month-long Giving Tree. For more are taken into consideration, and adopting families are offered a 24 information on the specific location’s events, visit the SFAHS at hour hold to confirm their decision. sfhumanesociety.com, and the HSBH at hsbh.org. Unlike adopting through a breeder or pet store, the animals
40 // DECEMBER 2016